Ignore the Impossible

by Dane Rauschenberg

Do you give up when faced with your limits? Dane Rauschenberg asks you to work through, move past, and, ultimately, Ignore the Impossible. Armed with his own life experiences and sharp wit, Rauschenberg explains how you can face your limitations and overcome your obstacles. He also shows you how to isolate the bad advice in your life, transforming “I can’t” into “I can.”

Ignore the Impossible is a collection of ideas, methods, and hints that can assist you in creating the best version of yourself. After all, the best way to find out how far you can go is to go further than you’ve ever gone before.

152 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2019

Reviews

[Marla Rhoden]

Ignore the Impossible is an excellent read and something you'll want to go back to again and again. My husband and I are runners, so it is no surprise that we really liked Dane's first two books, but I am even more excited about this one! I truly believe that the tips, info, nudges, etc., apply or could be helpful to all. I ordered copies of the book for three friends in very different situations: one just expanded her own small business, one suffers from depression, and one is dealing with long-term effects from a traumatic brain injury. Not only did I believe all could benefit from Dane's book, but I told him a little about each of the three and his personalizations were spot on. It's not often that I find something so perfect to give as a gift.

I have been so pleased with Ignore the Impossible that I plan to order copies for my three oldest grandchildren, who are in college. This book is so positive, something I think we need to counter the negativity in the world today. Great job, Dane!

[Juli Aistars]

“Ignore the Impossible” was a quick read with great advice about getting past your fears of failure and going after your dreams and goals. Dane’s humor is a little different, as is he! That is not a bad thing... The most important message I got from this book is to be yourself, to believe in yourself and live your life in a meaningful way. Though Dane uses his running as an example, this book is about more than running. As difficult as life can be, most obstacles can be overcome. “Ignore the Impossible” was a worthwhile read! Try it :)

[William]

I loved this semi autobiographical novel! Quite a career; but mostly a sort of life reference book. Kind of like having your own ‘Life Coach’ reference book! Very well written!

[Dan Schnitzer]

Ignore the Impossible is different from every other running book and motivational book that I have read (or read the description of and then chose not to read.) What makes this book unique and great is the clarity and honesty by which Rauschenberg expresses his values and perspectives. I don't say "advice" because he does not tell you what to do or how to think; he provides frames-of-mind, ways to see what we have, what we can do and what we aren't sure we can do, but should try. There is no blame, there is no BS, there is no "if only you do XYZ." It is full of helpful and positive perspectives, such as "You don't have to, you get to." What a simple yet powerful perspective shift. This is not just one sentence, Rauschenberg expands on the idea in straight forward terms that are accessible. He does not speak in platitudes and overly dramatic rhetoric, but rather as a guy who has walked the walked (run the run)

I recently ran the longest and most difficult run of my life. Many of the themes in Ignore the Impossible ran through my head during the hardest parts of the race. I am grateful for this book and I am confident that you will find wisdom and value in it as well.

[Manny Moustakakis]

It’s a great read.

Less of the usual cheerleader “life coach” book about how great you already are “and the world just needs to find out” books that have flooded this space.

More like useful ways to realistically get better and be better. And a great look at how the author used these strategies in his own life.

Stuff that will help you today.

[Damaris Rosich-schwartz]

Great read. The author gives great suggestions that are realistic and easy to implement. Can't wait to put them into practice.

[Paul Taylor]

Another fantastic book from Dane. One of his best books yet. I always enjoy his wit and stories, but what set this book apart was the practical advice he provides to make yourself better. A must-read self-help book.

[Nadya Dhadiala]

Straightforward and spot on, witty and simple, densely packed with masterfully weaved words of deep meaning and compassionate advice.
It's a creation of motivational book that is not motivational book.

It is - conversations. Started by Dane Rauschenberg about what matters and continued in your mind as you read with series of your thoughts triggered by the book chapters, and then, if you really listen, - your actions that will change your own life.

As I read it, I kept thinking :
❗"I wish I have had a friend or a cousin that would tell me things as Dane does in this book when I was a teen." The series of my thoughts and then related actions, and then, probably, some course of my life, could have changed, if I'd listen similar advice in past, for better.

❓Do you have a teen kid? Give them this book.
❓Do you want some thoughts to lean on during changes in life? - this book got your back.

Now, as many of the ideas I have already are established or re-lived through my own experience in life, I am finding connection with the ideas in this book, and enjoying watching the best way they are reflected in words I could never put together in such effective way.

Here are some:
➡️"You Don’t Have To; You Get To", of course :).
➡️ "No matter what you do, you will not turn naysayers into yaysayers" - Dane claims the rights for a bumper sticker for that! :)
➡️ Living life in such way that your life helps others, talking about "the plunge to experience the euphoria that comes with excelling", and so on - bettering and advancing yourself, going through setbacks and finding your own meaning for your experience .

I may not fully agree with every take on a given subject, but I am sure, every chapter and every paragraph in this book becomes a catalyst for chains of readers' own thoughts that will help to ignore the impossible.

[June]

Ignore the Impossible is not just for the running crowd. It hits home for every individual who is trying to better themselves but doesn't know where to start or how to navigate around road blocks that appear in our every day life. Dane was able to capture the essence of being human and embracing it. I highly recommend this book!

[Darby Bailey]

A much simpler version from Dane than his first book, with easy to repeat-read snippets of motivation - I loved this book. He sticks to the running and sport references and also uses some great quotes from other motivational writers and minds. This is a great gift book, and one to leave lying about for anyone to peek in to, for a quick motivation.

[Sharon Berger]

I highly recommend this insightful book that is easy and enjoyable to read, yet powerful and packed with wisdom. Written with Dane’s witty and forthright style, this is a “blueprint for living a better life”, interjected with Dane’s life experiences. He motivates and shows us how to not only be the best athlete we can be, but the best person we can be.

[David Shannon]

A wonderful read from a talented writer. Practical, pragmatic and positive advice on much more than just running. Dane has a way of sharing ideas in a common sense way that can help all of us in many aspects of life. Make sure to pay attention to the footnotes throughout the book. The most entertaining footnotes I've encountered.
David Shannon
St. Paul, Minnesota

[Brian Kirschling]

Ignore the Impossible is an excellent read that will help you to "think outside the hippo". Dane's background and experience as a distance runner and throughout his life provide the perfect backdrop for a book about shedding doubts, setting goals, and becoming the person you know you can be. Dane's writing is very conversational and easy to dive into and his humor is exquisite (the footnotes alone are worth the price of admission). I highly recommend this book for those who are looking for motivation to "take that next step" in their own lives, no matter what their background or motivation may be.

[Rick McGrath]

Ignore the Impossible is an inspirational read. Dane has written a book that provokes thought and inspires you to look at bettering yourself. I throughly enjoyed the wide range of quotes that intertwine throughout the book.

[Lara Mish]

Need to motivate- this is so good! Easy read to reenergize! I trust his knowledge and experience! You don’t have to be a runner to “get it”.

[Stefan Wegner]

So, if you stumble accross this book, you probably already know who Dane Rauschenberg is. If not, he's mostly known for running 52 marathons in 52 weekends. He also wrote several books about running and this is latest output.

This actually is not about running, although running is mentioned quite a lot. This is guide from a man who has seen quite a lot and who wants you to help to live a better life. And in my mind, that is exactly what this book can provide you.

It helped to me to see some things differently and on the other hand it told me I'm already on the right path. Seems like Dane and myself have something in common.

If you feel stuck in your life, this book has something to offer you.

[Nichole]

I have thoroughly enjoyed Dane's other books (so if you don't have those - get them!) and this book is no exception. Each time I read a chapter, I felt like I could directly relate it to a situation in my life. The pockets of wisdom throughout provide great reminders and takeaways. And, of course, no one can beat his footnotes!

[Kristie]

Such an awesome read. Even though Dane is an athlete one does not have to be in order to appreciate this book. The short stories or antidotes that are used as he makes his points are entertaining and real. Life stories and lessons that are relatable to all readers. It comes down to trust. Trusting yourself to become the best you can be because only you can do that. Trust the process. This book is worth it, trust your gut instinct and find out for yourself.

[Admir Aleksic]

Great motivational book from a real endurance athlete. It’s a quick read with great advices for athletes and non athletes. If you are looking for a non boring read from an athlete/ life coach look no further.

[Josephine Arwood]

Entertaining and highly relatable!! I do have to say, if you dont want to read the entire book, at least get it for the footnotes. LOVED them! And it’s nice to know that my brain isn’t the only one that works like that. Go read it!

[Kelly Winegarden]

:If you ever feel like your life is not the adventure you’d hoped for, and the cards you’ve been dealt just don’t feel as blessed as everyone else’s, sit with Dane’s stories for an afternoon. With humor and humility, Dane’s unusual adventures (way beyond the ‘running the 52 marathons in 52 weeks’ he’s well known for) are an inspiring library of personal challenges delivered - rinse and repeat - executed to maximize each total experience for it’s beauty, its life lessons and the community gathered along the way. I found myself wishing I’d been along the Oregon coast to support his hydration for the run from California to Washington, capturing a glimpse of passion and love-of-the-game in action. No matter how you choose to use your gifts and talent in this lifetime, Dane’s commitment to making the most with his ownis a pleasure to learn from. 🤩

[George Atsalakis]

Long story short, a book that will turn your short runs long. It's a lot more than just another motivational.book on running. Dane is deep into the sport, his words are spot on to fix your mindset on running, no matter how broken it might be. A good read indeed, written by a great runner. 💯

[Daniel Murphy]

This book was fantastic! It is not just about superhuman accomplishments. It helps us to see how to make things happen in your life. The author is entertaining, instructing and motivating all at the same time. I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Emily]

A good read, and motivational without being cheesy.

[Leslie Patterson]

This book hits home in so many ways. A must read ....

[Thebestdogmom]

This book has less to do about running and more to do with just believing in yourself. Nice, short book with lots of great quotes.